Heph was just walking down the street to his house as Carrick was approaching.
“Carrick,” Heph waved. “I didn’t know you were back!”
Carrick was fuming as he stalked up to Heph. “What the hell is wrong with Ava? She looks terrible.”
“Whoa there, buddy,” Heph said with his hands held out defensively. “You’ve seen Ava?”
“I’ve seen her and someone better tell me why the fuck she looks like she’s on death’s door.” Carrick was opening and closing his fists, itching to hit something.
“Relax. She’s just tired. We’ve all been working non-stop since you’ve left and we have accomplished a lot. I’m sure you’ll be pleased.”
“If everyone has been working non-stop, why is Ava the only one that looks like shit then?” Carrick asked snidely.
“Because she insisted that only her blood be used in any of the spells. It’s taken a bit of a toll on her but nothing that a good meal and some sleep won’t get her back on track. In fact, I’ve ordered her to take tomorrow off so she can rest.”
“I doubt Ava has eaten since I’ve been gone by the look of her. And given her vast blood donation, her health could be in serious jeopardy.”
Heph blanched. “Is she really that bad? I have been so wrapped up in our work, I guess I didn’t notice.”
“Yes, she looks bad. Terrible in fact.” Carrick paced back and forth along the street. “Do me a favor, Heph. Go over and check on her. She’s made it clear she doesn’t want me around, but I’m seriously worried about the way she looked.”
“Sure thing. I’ll go over there right now.” Heph turned around and started off toward Ava’s house.
Carrick watched him walk away, knowing that at least for tonight someone would take care of Ava. He turned and moved on to Conclave Hall where the commanders of each army had gathered to strategize an attack on Ralina. He knew it would be a long night ahead but was eager to get their plans in place. He wanted this over. Now.
***
The next morning dawned way too early for Ava, but as soon as the pink rays started streaming in the windows, she knew it was time to get up. She vaguely remembered Heph showing up at her house after she had fallen asleep, wanting to know if she had eaten. When she grumbled at him that she had not, he had gone into the kitchen and fixed her a meal. Then he practically forced it down her throat to ensure she ate it. It was only after she threatened him with a blood pox that he finally left her alone and she dropped back on the bed to sleep.
She supposed she should be grateful to Heph for checking in on her. She really hadn’t had a decent meal since… well, since Carrick left. She could say it had to do with her long days of hard work, but truth was, she had lost her appetite.
Ava let Bing out and started making tea. While it was boiling, she spell cleansed herself and changed her clothes. Looking in the mirror, she still looked like shit. She was actually glad Heph ordered her away from work today because she really needed some down time. It wasn’t just the physical toll, but the emotional stress was wearing on her as well.
Ava heard the tea kettle whistle and a knock on the door at the same time. She stopped first and opened the door, pleased to see Quentin standing on the other side. He had a bouquet of flowers in his hand. A genuine smile lit her face and she bade him to come in.
“Come have some tea, Quentin.”
In the kitchen, Quentin handed her the flowers. “I figured you could use some cheer. I know how hard you’ve been working the last few days.”
“You’re so sweet.” Ava took the flowers from him. “I’ll just put them in some water.”
“That’s not the only cheering up I have planned,” Quentin continued.
“Oh, pray tell, dear cousin….what do you have planned?”
“A day of relaxation. You, me, a fishing stream and a lazy day of doing nothing but possibly catching a fish or two.”
Ava took in a deep breath and let it out. “That sounds like heaven to me. Count me in.”
After a shared breakfast of some oatmeal and tea, they headed out the door. Quentin had even packed them a basket lunch and promised her a day where she didn’t need to have a worry in the world. They quickly saddled their horses and headed out of Clairmont. Ava didn’t bother telling anyone where they were going. They were surrounded by thousands of soldiers, plus, she wanted to treasure her day off without guards or anyone else hovering.
Her one concession was that she let Bing come along. She knew he would probably scare off the fish, but she knew she really didn’t care if she caught any today. Relaxation was her goal. Quentin pouted a bit about Bing coming as he apparently wanted to catch some fish, but finally gave in when Ava pointed out the day being about her and not Quentin.
“You’re such a little twerp,” he had commented.
Quentin kept up a steady stream of chatter with Ava as they rode along. Within just a few minutes, he had her laughing over his silly jokes. After half an hour of riding, Ava looked around and realized she had no clue where they were. They were not within sight or sound of any of the troops. That should have caused her some concern, but the quiet was so peaceful that she didn’t want to taint it. Besides, she had Quentin and Bing to protect her, not to mention her new array of blood magic spells.
Finally, they came upon a small stream that sported a deep fishing hole on one side of large boulder that peeked out of the water.
“It’s perfect, Quentin.” Ava could feel her body unwinding as if by magic.
They both spent the rest of the morning fishing. Bing wasn’t as keen to get in the stream as Ava had thought he would be and contented himself to lay on a stretch of sunny bank.
After a few hours, Ava was pooped and wanted to take a break. Quentin suggested they eat lunch and Ava realized she was starved. See what happens when you spend five days donating your blood over and over?
Unpacking the basket, Quentin laid out a wonderful spread. There was crusty bread and cheeses, grapes, figs and some cold chicken. Quentin produced a bottle of honey wine and opened it with flourish. Filling two glasses, he handed one to Ava then held his up in a toast.
“To my beautiful cousin, Ava. The hope of Kestevayne.”
Ava snorted but raised her glass up to take a deep drink. Normally, honey wine was very light and sweet but this had a slightly bitter after-taste. While pondering the taste of the wine, she looked at Quentin and noticed that he was getting fuzzy. Had someone tampered with their wine?
The last thing Ava remembered was holding her hand out to Quentin and saying, “Don’t drink the wine… poisoned.” Ava then pitched sideways onto the blanket, unconscious.
“Yes, Ava…I know.”
CHAPTER 21
Carrick had been in meetings all day at the Conclave Hall. He was pleased. The Commanders had all agreed on a uniform plan of attack, and with just two more days of training, they would be ready to march on to Kestevayne. As Carrick exited the Hall, he saw Bing running up the street toward him, barking like crazy. Instant dread settled in his stomach.
Bing ran right up to Carrick and just kept barking at him. He knew instinctively something was wrong with Ava. Carrick took off running toward her house, Bing following with his desperate barks. Carrick crashed through the front door, yelling Ava’s name. He got no response and ran through the house, quickly figuring out she wasn’t there.
Bing’s incessant barking was starting to panic Carrick. He had no clue where to look for her. He started for his house… maybe she went there. Bing followed, still barking. People around town were watching them as if they were crazy. Carrick quickly searched his house but no Ava. As he came back down the steps, he saw Sam across the street and ran over to him.
“Sam. Have you seen Ava today?” Carrick knew his voice sounded harsh and desperate.
Sam nodded his head up and down shyly, keeping his eyes downcast.
Gentling his tone, Carrick said, “Do you know where she is?”
Sam shook his head.
“Was she with anyone that you know?”
Sam finally spoke up. “She went fishing this morning with Quentin. She normally don’t like to take Bing with her but she let him go today. I saw them riding out of town on their horses.”
“Thanks, Sam,” Carrick said as he ruffled the child’s hair.
Carrick took off running for the stables and called for Bing who willingly followed him. Bing wasn’t barking anymore, as if he knew Carrick had some clue as to what was going on. After saddling Greta, Carrick knelt down before Bing and grabbed the dog’s head gently with his hands. Carrick’s baby blues met Bing’s chocolate drops.
“I don’t know if you can understand me Bing, but I need you to show me where Ava is. Please. Find Ava.”
Bing gave an excited yip and took off running. Carrick jumped in the saddle and wheeled Greta in Bing’s direction.
After twenty minutes of following Bing at a run, Carrick came up to a fishing stream. He saw poles lying on the ground, a brown blanket, and a picnic basket. He dismounted from Greta and walked up for a closer look.
Food was spread out but ants had overtaken the generous feast. There was a bottle of honey wine with about half the contents gone. Two empty wine glasses lay on the blanket. Carrick heard a nicker and turned to see King tied to a tree a few yards away. He had not noticed the big horse when he first rode in. Quentin’s horse was nowhere to be seen.
Carrick lifted the bottle of wine to his nose and sniffed. He recognized the bitter smell of millefolia and knew that a sleeping draught had been added to the wine.
Carrick untied King and mounted Greta. Calling for Bing to follow, he headed back to Clairmont. He made it back in record time and immediately called for an emergency meeting of all Royals and their commanders.
***
After moments of floating in and out of consciousness, Ava finally felt like she had her bearings. She wasn’t sure at first but now she knew she was in Kestevayne. She vaguely remembered being drugged with the honey wine. At first, she feared for Quentin’s safety, but not long after her first moments of consciousness, Quentin came into the room where she was being held and disabused her of her worry.
Ava had been lying on a cot in a dark cell. The walls and floor were made of dirt, not stone, which she found to be weird. Couldn’t someone dig their way to freedom? She sat up on the cot, and felt immediately dizzy. Her head hurt, but she was sure that was from being drugged and that she wasn’t injured.
Her first thoughts were of Quentin. She fervently hoped he had not been taken. And just as she was wondering about him, her cell door opened and Quentin walked in. He looked healthy and was smiling. She instantly knew he was a traitor.
“How are you feeling, Ava?” Quentin asked as he walked up to her cot. He reached his hand out to feel her forehead.
Ava stood up so fast the room spun on her, but she didn’t fall until she was able to draw back her right arm and punch Quentin in the face. She made solid connection to his left cheek. She vaguely recalled yelling, “Traitor” at him as she fell to the ground.
When she came to the second time, she was lying on the dirt floor and Quentin was sitting on a stool near the wall. She must not have been unconscious for long.
“Now, no hitting, Ava. You need to conserve your strength. So I’ll ask again, how are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling like you are an asshole, that’s how I’m feeling.” Ava was glaring daggers at him.
Quentin chuckled. “I always did like your spunk, little twerp.”
Ava ignored that comment, and simply asked, “Why, Quentin?”
“Why?” he repeated with a tone as if he couldn’t believe she even had to ask the question. “I did it for love, Ava.”
“Love?” Ava was genuinely bewildered.
“Yes,” echoed an icy voice. Entering her cell was Ralina. This was not the Ralina that Ava remembered. The woman standing before her had dark red hair instead of pale blonde. The irises of her eyes had turned to an eerie translucency, and the pupils were hell-fire red. Ava swore she could actually see flames dancing in them. Ralina complimented her look by dressing in a blood red gown. Odd, but Ralina actually radiated coldness. Ava thought it would be heat with her obvious favor of red.
“He did it for love, Ava. He did it for love of me.”
Ava gaped at Quentin. She was beyond astounded and she was still pissed. She pointed at Ralina and couldn’t stop herself from saying, “You love this piece of trash, usurper?”
Ava only had a second to see that Quentin was offended by her question but her attention was taken by the sudden lack of oxygen she was experiencing. Something was squeezing her throat and closing off her windpipe. Her eyes snapped to Ralina and she saw that Ralina was holding out her right hand, mocking an invisible grip she would have on someone if she were holding them by the throat.
Ava realized that she was being magically choked to death. But just as suddenly, Ralina released her hold and Ava clutched at her throat, gasping for precious air.
“I suspect you’ll watch your tone in front of me from now on. Come, Quentin, my love. It’s a bit dank down here for my tastes.”
Ava watched through narrowed eyes as Quentin and Ralina walked out of her cell.
That was yesterday. As best she could tell, she had been here a day. But then again, that was just a guess because she could have been unconscious for a full day. Regardless, she wasn’t in the cell anymore. Two guards had hauled her out last night after Ralina had left and walked her down several halls.
It didn’t take long for her to now recognize Kestevayne. This was the prison system. She had only been down here once, touring with her father, but she would never forget the darkness and desolation of the place. She obviously had not seen the entire prison, so it was no surprise that Ava didn’t recognize the room she was brought to.
This one was made entirely of stone and had several small windows up high that let in a good bit of light. There were sconces on the walls that when lit, would also provide illumination. Ava noticed a cross bolted into the floor in the middle of the room.
The guards dragged her to the cross and she fought with all her might. It was to no avail. They easily tied her arms to each cross post, and her feet to the bottom. After tying her up, they ripped and cut off her clothes, leaving her in nothing but a black pair of her sexiest Victoria’s Secret panties she just happened to be wearing. I’m sure that will come in handy…said no one ever who had been tied to a cross with nothing but black underwear on.
The thing that confused Ava the most was why they didn’t put her in iron. They left her with full control of her magical ability. She had not used it yet, because she didn’t want to call attention to the fact she was in full possession of it. She wanted to make sure she knew the best time to pull it forth.
Her machinations were interrupted when she heard the door open. She looked over and Ralina walked in. She was carrying a bowl and a knife. So not good. Ava thought she may need to pull out her magic right now. She watched with wary eyes as Ralina approached.
“Before you even begin to think of hitting me with a spell, let me show you a little treat I brought for you.”
Ralina reached into the bowl and pulled out a dull, black stone. She laid it on the floor and a projected beam of light emerged. Ava watched in fascination as an image formed in the light and gasped when she realized it was Carrick. He was chained to a wall, both of his arms in cuffs above his head. He had blood running down his face. The cell looked similar to the one Ava had first been in. They had Carrick.
“Yes, I have your beloved Carrick and he will enjoy, let’s say, fairly good health as long as you are obedient. But the minute you raise a hand against me or my guards, I will have Carrick lashed until he is dead.”
Ava sagged against the cross. There was no way she could risk Carrick’s life. She was going to have to try to figure something else out.
“What do you plan to do with me?” Ava asked.
Ralina struck
out fast and with an open hand smacked Ava in the face. “Impertinent bitch! You have no right to question me.”
Ava’s head was slightly ringing. I thought it was a fair question.
Ralina looked at Ava for several moments, as if pondering her next words. “Do you realize how precious your blood is Ava?”
Ava didn’t respond. She didn’t want to earn another knock to the head if she said something wrong.
“Your blood is very powerful. That’s why you are not in iron. I can’t afford to have your power diluted until I am finished with you. I’m banking your love for Carrick will keep you… shall we say…docile.”
Ralina started walking around Ava, looking her up and down. Ava followed her with her eyes when she was in her line of vision. When she wasn’t, she had the creeps wondering what Ralina was doing behind her.
“I really just don’t get what Carrick saw in you.”
Ava held her tongue, wanting to save her face from another smack. She needed her head as clear as possible.
“Well, no matter. What’s done is done.”
Ralina came to a standstill in front of Ava. She knelt down and placed the bowl on the ground under Ava’s right arm. Standing back up, she held the knife in front of her face.
“I hope you can tolerate a little pain, Ava.”
****
Everyone had assembled at Conclave Hall. It had been a full day since Ava had gone missing and royal forces had been searching for her day and night. Now, the Royals and Commanders gathered together to discuss further strategy.
Carrick stood on the top of the dais and addressed the crowd of Royals and military commanders. He scrubbed a hand through his hair in obvious frustration. He needed to calm down. He’d been in vicious battles before but none that had put fear like this in his belly.
“I’m sorry to report but we’ve had no luck in tracking down Ava or her kidnappers.”
Second Chance Page 20